Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in an Adult Population from Târgu Jiu

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is rapidly increasing worldwide and in Romania, leading to increased morbidity and mortality due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in an adult population from Târgu Jiu. Material and Methods: A total of 2200 persons randomly selected from primary care, aged 25 years or older, were included in this study. Clinical, anthropometric characteristics and laboratory investigation results were assessed, as well as smoking status. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria or National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Results: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome diagnosed according to IDF criteria was 28.4% (625 persons). The prevalence was lower when metabolic syndrome was defined according to ATP III criteria (24%). The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increased with age, from around 10% in persons aged between 30-39 years to 40% in those aged between 60-69 years. Conclusions: These results from a representative sample of the adult population from Târgu Jiu, show a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The large number individuals with the metabolic syndrome may have important implications for the health-care sector.